Exploring The Hidden Gems Of San Francisco

Malcolm Lee explores the unspoilt wilderness of San Francisco on a whirlwind road trip.

The Gold Rush. The Summer of Love. Silicon Valley. San Francisco has many nicknames. She’s like a chameleon who changes every year. It’s a city unlike any other in the United States.

Working long hours at my restaurant Candelnut makes me yearn to travel. I jump at any given chance to take both long or short trips to recharge and gain new inspirations for my dishes. Last July, I spent two weeks spent in San Francisco, which was just what I needed for my mind, body and soul.

Conquering Yosemite Valley

I had the crazy idea to spend a couple of days in Yosemite during summer. I wanted to witness the full beauty of Mother Nature so my plan was to hike up to Nevada Falls and Bridalvail Falls, as well as

Mirror Lake; I have heard plenty of lovely stories from friends who went to the latter.

During my hike to Nevada Falls, adorable squirrels were out in full force, even though they seemed more interested in the backpackers who were trying to keep their food safe. They made hiking up the stairs to reach the the top of Nevada Fall less painful. Being at the top, sitting on the warm granite and feeling the cool sprays of water from the fall takes your mind off stress and problems.

Mirror Lake, on the other hand, was not as impressive as the sandy beaches and views of the granite walls above, but it was interesting to learn about its history and why visitors were once charged for admission. I spotted a group of teenagers tubing on the lake. Tip: remember to bring a tube and join in the fun.